Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in Rajya Sabha when speaking in reply to Motion of Thanks to Presidential Address in which he mentioned that the farmer’s protest has been taken over by whom he termed as ‘Andolan Jeevi’ or the ones born to protest, the farmers have responded by saying that they have always been open to engaging into talks with Centre but have expressed some resentment to the ‘Andolan Jeevi’ remarks.
The leader of the farmers Shivkumar Kakka spoke with the media persons saying that the farmers have never refused to initiate discussions. Every time the Union Ministers decided for a meeting, we have responded.
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Samyukt Kisan Morcha, the Union which represents about 40 farmers sub-unions however does not concur with the whole speech delivered by the Prime Minister. A statement released by Mr. Kakka who is one of the senior leaders says that the Prime Minister has insulted the farmers and their cause. He also took a dig at PM by saying that it is these ‘andolans’ only that have brought freedom to the Indian subcontinent from the colonial rules and thus, it also brings them great pride to be termed as Andolan Jeevi or born to protest.
He also pointed that such agitations and protests play a vital and eminent role in the proper functioning of democracy and that they are the only way to restrict the government’s policies that are not directed for public welfare.
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He added by saying that Bhartiya Janta Party and its ancestors have always been scared of revolutions, even when the revolution against the Britishers was being conducted then also they were against it and they still are. They fear that such agitations would de-stabilize the democratic functioning without realizing that the government would be in check because of this expression of opinions.
This tussle between Centre and Farmer Unions worsened when the government gave a statement saying that the protest had been taken over by Khalistani groups and that the farmer unions have been infiltrated by Khalistanis.
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The ongoing protests are over the amendment of existing three Farm Laws and have since then become the highlight of all news channels and national media.
